PROPERTIES
Any property that is measurable that describes a state of materials. These properties tend to be the characteristics of materials that can be identified through non-destructive testing (although some deformation is required to test hardness)
Physical Properties
A mixture that contains at least one metal. This can be a mixture of metals or a mixture of metals and non-metals.
Alloys
Resistance to corrosion and chemicals, low electrical and thermal conductivity, high strength-to-weight ratio, colors available in a wide variety and transparent, resistance to shock, good durability, low cost, are easy to manufacture, resistant to water and have low toxicity.
Properties of plastic
The first man-made fiber
Nylon
Materials that have been designed to have one or more properties that can be modified when subject to an external stimuli in a way that the output can be controlled
Smart Material
Properties of materials that involve the relationship between stress and strain or a reaction to an applied force
Mechanical properties
An alloy that exhibits excellent mechanical strength, resistance to thermal creep deformation, good surface stability and resistance to corrosion
SUper Alloy
Defined as polymers that can be melted and recast almost indefinitely. They are molten when heated and harden upon cooling.
Thermoplastics
Created by melting minerals together at high temperatures. Silica, a form of sand, is the main ingredient and is combined with soda ash and limestone melted in a furnace at high temperatures. Other materials and minerals can be added to produce different colours.
Glass
alloy made from zinc and copper.
Brass
A measure of the stiffness of an elastic material defined by stress and strain
Young Modulus
The slow, permanent deformation of a solid material under the influence of a mechanical stress.
Creep
A substance which has a molecular structure built up chiefly or completely from a large number of similar units bonded together, e.g. many synthetic organic materials used as plastics and resins
Polymer
Glass that consists of two thin sheets that have a plastic glued between them
Laminated
A technology for layering a variety of functional polymer films using adhesive or bonding agents examples of the laminate process are melamine and plywood.
Laminating
Has a very high strength to weight ratio. Very popular with motor racing and aerospace industry.
Carbon Fibre
Imperfection in timber, caused by the growth of branches in the tree that reduces it strength.
Knot
Good electrical insulator
Comes as two resins that need to be mixed before use
Thermoset
Epoxy Rsin
A natural or synthetic substance with a very high aspect ratio (length to width) that can be processed by various means into a fabric
Fibre
A property of smart material. This material changes colour is response to an increase in light. When the light source is removed, it returns to its original colour.
Photochromic material
A measure of the ability of a material to withstand changes in length when under lengthwise tension or compression.
Young’s modulus
A type of wood that grow fast and are cheaper.
Often used as building material.
Trees grow tall and straight which makes it easier for the manufacturer to cut long
Softwood
Extremely flexible, adaptable to a lot of uses
Thermoset
Can be made into footwear, sporting goods, wire/cable coating
Polyurethane
Transparency, heat resistance, pressure and breakage resistance and chemical resistance
Properties of glass
This refers to a smart material that when heat can produce an electric current
Thermo - Electricity material